The Chicago Journal

Your Gateway to the Heartbeat of Chicago

Dr. Kam Kamangar Bringing Smiles to Faces through Cosmetics Dentistry

Professional practice and public service are mutually exclusive. This is because as a professional who daily puts in the work in whatever sector or industry, the goal is not only to provide that service in exchange for money. Instead, the primary responsibility of every service provider is giving back to society in exchange for the service cost; because no amount of money is proportional to the quality and importance of the service provided. Dr. Kam Kamangar is a name that readily comes to mind when the provision of services is mentioned, and at the same time, his selfless contributions to society which spans decades, is also worthy of note.

Dr. Kam Kamangar is a cosmetic dentist, founder, and CEO of Agoura Advanced Dentistry with several years of experience and practice. He had his childhood and later parts of his growing up in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Kam holds a bachelor of science degree in biology from Arizona State University, where he graduated with honors. Having taken an interest in medical sciences, particularly dentistry, and thanks to his impressive undergraduate degree, Dr. Kam was accepted in nearly all the dental schools he applied to. After much deliberations, he decided to attend the University of South California School of Dentistry, where he was awarded Doctor of Dental Surgery. Subsequently, he pursued a postgraduate degree in dentistry. After hours of courses, he was certified.

In his private practice, Dr. Kam is dedicated to using the newest technological advancements in cosmetic dentistry while pioneering the use of the latest technologies and techniques. He is armed with several years of experience and training in the advanced use of digital imaging, which enables his patients to evaluate and preview their smiles before the commencement of treatment via advanced and sophisticated digital X-ray and intra-oral imaging. Dr. Kam is a member of several professional bodies and associations, including local, state, and national chapters. He is a member of the Los Angeles Dental Society, California Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the University of Southern California Dental Association.

Considered the King of Veneers Smile Makeover, Dr. Kam has serviced clients for local and international reputation, including private individuals such as Khloe Kardashian, Akon, Jordyn Woods, Pixee Fox, and Scott Disick, among several others. And he is essentially open to anyone and everyone who wants to enhance their smile. However, the most important thing about dentistry, according to Dr. Kam Kamangar, is that aside from being an aesthetically focused practice, “A large part of dentistry involves restoring teeth and making a smile beautiful, one that the patient is happy to show to others.”

Driven by the desire to help and bring happiness to the people, dating back to years of community service as a teenager and young adult, when asked what his motivation to build his brand was said, “To give people a confident smile and a new slate.” And for the next five years, he hopes he continues to do just that, and most importantly, expand, and grow his company exponentially.

Learn more about Dr. Kam Kamangar and his practice here.

How an Automotive Entrepreneur Turned Tragedy into a Twenty-Deep Car Collection

Losing one parent is devastating but losing both parents at a young age is something few in this world experience. The story of Harry Shasho did not end when both his parents passed away in his early 20s. His coming of age story would only speed up after this dark period in his life. The exotic car influencer, 212 Motoring owner, and bold entrepreneur Harry Shasho is a testament to how tragedy and hardship can mold a powerful businessman. Harry aims to inspire people with his story, and hopes it drives readers to be more grateful and push full steam ahead towards their goals, past all adversity.

Growing up, Harry Shasho had to navigate a violent neighborhood, bullying, and a broken household. This hardship has been a constant driving force for Harry. “Growing up, I lived in a very tough neighborhood with hard circumstances, where nothing ever came easy, and nothing was free,” said the hardened entrepreneur. This fighting spirit stemmed from having to go through life without any handouts or paved roads set for you. In his early 20s, after his parents divorced, they both tragically passed away.

From this time on, Mr. Shasho knew that whatever his future was, he would shape it, no one else was left to help him. The odds were against him at this time more than ever, but this did nothing to steer Harry away from his goals. From a young age, Harry Shasho knew the corporate world and a 9-to-5 job was not for him; instead, he would become his own boss. After working many odd jobs to save up money, Harry got his start in the computer retail business. As before in his life, things didn’t go as planned, the universe threw a challenge at him when the industry crashed in the late 1990s.

Harry’s love for cars was his saving force in these dark days. Throughout his whole life, he used his spare time to read up on the latest Car news. “I would walk miles and miles each day with little money in my pocket, just to get the latest automotive magazines” said the car enthusiast, while sitting back in his leather chair at his 212 motoring office. Harry used his love and knowledge for cars to insert himself into the business. Starting with insurance, then collision repair, and then finally customization and sales, Harry Shasho has done it all.

Through his unwavering drive and vision, Harry has been able to carve himself out a sizable share of the automotive business in New York City. After over two decades in the automotive business, Harry Shasho is the owner of one of New York’s largest and most popular Auto customization shops, 212 motoring. It is at this business that his team of experts finely tunes, crafts, and customizes the world’s most exotic cars.

212 Motoring provides a wide variety of car customization services including but definitely not limited to custom painting, body kits, window tinting, remote start, audio services, and a plethora of other vehicular upgrades. 212 Motoring has served celebrities like Chris Brown and Vince Carter. large organizations like Homeland Security and the NYPD have also sought out 212 motoring for their vehicle customization and fleet needs.

Driving by 212 Motoring at 3939 Emmons Avenue in South Brooklyn, you are sure to see some great cars parked outside, no matter the day. Although the years have flown by and Harry has surely earned the right to relax, he has never been more motivated, recently beginning a pursuit into commercial real-estate. Harry hopes that his story inspires others in dark and difficult situations to rise above adversity and fight to reach their goals.To learn more about Harry Shasho, visit 212 Motoring’s website.

Top 10 Cleaning Companies in Chicago

Chicago is known to be a fast-paced city, with residents and families constantly on the go. Because of this Chicago culture, many people may find they do not have enough time to maintain a clean and orderly home. Juggling work, school, and a plethora of activities may prove too much for some. Hiring a cleaning company can provide homeowners with an easy solution to their household maintenance needs. 

Cleaners can come in on a semi-regular basis, and families can rest easy knowing that their homes are cared for. In addition, hiring a cleaning service can give individuals extra time to do other things that fulfill them, such as hobbies, community service, or quality family time. 

To help the people of Chicago find a cleaning company that suits their needs and fits in their budget, here is a list of the ten most recommended cleaning services. 

  1. Get Clean

Get Clean is a cleaning company established in 2016. Their mission is to satisfy their clients at every stage of the cleaning process, whether at home or in an office. They provide flexible plans to accommodate each client’s needs. Clients can avail of a daily cleaning service or book weekly or monthly appointments. 

Their team of trained professionals can clean bedrooms, living rooms and other common areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. In addition, clients can avail of other services upon request, such as cleaning inside the refrigerator, oven and cabinets, hand washing dishes, washing and folding laundry, wiping down blinds and baseboards, and cleaning windows and sliding doors. Get Clean also overs move in/out cleaning services.

Website: www.getclean.us 

  1. MyClean

MyClean began in 2009 when its founders realized there was no convenient way to avail of house cleaning services online. Throughout the years, they grew from a booking agency to a fully staffed cleaning company. Their company philosophy puts a dual emphasis on customer experience and cleaner development, making them reliable providers of quality cleaning services.

They provide home cleaning, office cleaning and recently added UV disinfection services to their roster. MyClean has developed a comprehensive checklist of services, but clients are free to give them special requests specific to their home’s needs. They also service fashion and retail spaces, technology and start-up offices, gyms, and medical offices.

Website: www.myclean.com  

  1. Sweep Home Chicago

Sweep Home Chicago is a family-owned cleaning company based in the heart of Chicago. They provide affordable, reliable, and spotless cleaning services. Their goal is to give their clients peace of mind and extra time by taking care of the cleaning for them. They offer both residential and commercial cleaning services in Chicago.

Sweep Home Chicago specializes in residential house and apartment cleaning, commercial and corporate space cleaning, rental turnover cleaning, condo association cleaning, and post-construction cleanup. They also provide green cleaning solutions for a more eco-friendly service. This company is also pet-friendly and works to accommodate any special needs pets may have whenever their team comes to clean homes.

Website: www.sweephome.com 

  1. SWEEP Cleaning

SWEEP Cleaning emphasizes fast and convenient booking along with a reliable and quality service. This cleaning company values its employees and ensures that its cleaners keep the majority of the profits for services rendered. They offer their services in the greater Chicago-land area, and they have recently started serving select Chicago suburbs.

Clients can book SWEEP Cleaning services for residential and commercial spaces. Their services include deep cleaning, maid services, janitorial services, desk cleaning, garbage removal, floor cleaning, and move-in/out cleaning. Their cleaners also use green cleaning solutions to promote a healthier, cleaner space. The company provides a free cleaning checklist for first-time clients to give them an idea of specific services clients can avail of.

Website: www.sweephub.com 

  1. Maid for Chicago

Maid for Chicago aims to establish a close rapport with their clients and deliver the best possible service. Therefore, they employ competent, honest, and professionally trained staff who can handle any cleaning needs their clients may have. 

Their services include one-time cleaning and scheduled recurring cleanings. They do residential cleaning, commercial cleaning, and they also work with condo associations and short-term rentals. Standard home cleaning includes rooms, living and dining area, kitchen, and bathroom. Deep cleaning and green cleaning are also available upon request. Maid for Chicago also cleans commercial spaces, so business owners feel their space positively reflects their business. They also offer post-event cleaning and home organization services.

Website: www.maidforchicago.com 

  1. Fresh Tech Maid

Since its inception, Fresh Tech Maid has delivered trust through superb and excellent service. With each client they work with, they relieve families of stress and give them more time to focus on things that matter. They make it easy to avail of a flexible maid service that accommodates every client’s specific needs. They also specialize in chemical-free cleaning to ensure that no toxic substances affect their clients and the environment.

Fresh Tech Maid offers a variety of cleaning services, including recurring cleaning, move-in/out cleaning, spring cleaning, dorm room or back to school cleaning, and post-event cleanup. They also have a service that caters to seniors, ensuring a safe and clean environment for them to live in.

Website: www.freshtechmaids.com 

  1. Chicago Clean Home

Chicago Clean Home is a cleaning company that offers top-quality, detail-oriented cleaning services to homeowners and businesses. By employing highly trained staff, the company has provided premier services that have satisfied clients for years. They also adhere to green cleaning practices, using only biodegradable and earth-friendly solutions. Their staff also implement a color-coded cloth system to prevent cross-contamination when cleaning. 

This cleaning company does regular and deep cleaning of residential spaces and provides move-in/out services and post-construction cleaning. Chicago clean home also offers office cleaning and building common area cleaning. Their team also specializes in carpet and upholstery cleaning as a way to enhance overall house cleanliness. Disinfecting services are also available upon request.

Website: www.chicagocleanhome.com 

  1. Clean Freaks Cleaning Services

Clean Freaks Cleaning Service provides an eco-friendly solution to their client’s cleaning needs. This cleaning company employs methods designed to improve indoor air quality, promote the health and safety of their clients and staff, and minimize environmental impact. In addition, to support the fast-paced Chicago lifestyle their clients have, Clean Freaks Cleaning Service trains their staff to be meticulous professionals. 

This company’s services are flexible for any budget and can fit multiple needs. They offer one-time cleaning or recurring service, move-in/move-out cleaning, for-sale cleaning, and post-construction cleaning services. They even have a service for homes welcoming the arrival of a newborn baby. Clean Freaks Cleaning Service has cultivated a diligent work ethic in their staff, delivering perfection their clients keep coming back to.

Website: www.cleanfreaks.com 

  1. Val’s Services

Val’s Services is a cleaning company established by Brazilian immigrant Val Oliveira in 2010. She wanted to bring the spirit of “faxina” or Brazilian style cleaning to Chicago. To promote the health and safety of their clients and staff, this company only uses eco-friendly products to clean homes and finish off each session with essential oils.

Val’s Services offer deep cleaning and regular cleaning, but the most popular among their clients is the super deep cleaning service or the SDC. This SDC service means professionals will attend to difficult to clean areas such as inside the refrigerator and oven. They also offer home organization services, move-in/move-out cleaning, and post-construction cleaning, along with several add-ons.

Website: www.valsservices.com 

  1. Sparkly Maid

Sparkly Maid is a cleaning company that was founded in 2015. Since then, it has provided top-notch services in Chicago through its well-trained professional cleaners. Their staff is detail-oriented and knowledgeable about the ins and outs of cleaning a home. 

Sparkly Maid offers standard and deep cleaning services depending on their client’s preferences and needs. Aside from this, they also provide moving-in/moving-out cleaning services and heavy-duty cleaning post-construction and post-renovation. Sparkly Maid also cleans carpets and windows upon request. Additionally, they also service office spaces.

To ensure the quality of service, Sparkly Maid also implements a house cleaner rating system where clients can rate their cleaner’s performance. This system helps maintain the high caliber of the standard that the company sets.

Website: www.sparklymaid.com 

David Murrietta Jr.’s Incredible Journey to Becoming a Successful Actor and Social Media Influencer

Being recognized as one of the most promising talents in the entertainment industry is a highly coveted achievement, even more so for someone like David Murrietta Jr., who has only been in the business for a few years. Despite having a late start compared to his peers, the talented actor continues to show his prowess and proves that he is deserving of recognition and acknowledgment. 

The actor and social media influencer has been all over California and is originally from San Jose. While living in San Francisco, he dabbled in acting and participated in a few projects. However, he quickly fell in love with the craft and before long, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his newfound passion. 

This decision to become a full-time entertainer came as a surprise to the people who knew him as it was quite a shift from his previous background in law enforcement and business. Nevertheless, his family showed immense support throughout this change. Their encouragement is one of the motivations that fuel the outstanding performer to become the best.

Despite not having a lot of theatrical training, the actor possesses an innate ability and talent for acting. He has worked on several films such as  Taps, Vicious Circle, and Land of the Haunted Dolls. He has also appeared on TV shows, including Sunset Glory: Doolittle’s Heroes and Grey’s Anatomy. In one of his most recent projects, he worked as a stunt performer in the highly-anticipated Marvel movie Black Widow.

When he is not working on film and TV sets, he films video blogs, more commonly known as vlogs, with his lovely wife, Alexandra Creteau. Together, they run the YouTube account Dalex Vlogs. The lifestyle channel has a wide range of content: from dating tips, travel stories, beauty advice to health and fitness. In total, their videos have been viewed more than 840,000 times. 

Just recently, in perhaps one of the most exciting developments in his life, the vlogger has finally married Alexandra, his soulmate and the love of his life. They tied the knot on May 8, 2021, in an intimate and private ceremony at Regan Beach in Lake Tahoe. However, the pair would love to share this important milestone with their family and friends. They intend to organize another wedding celebration in August of this year.

Aside from being passionate about his craft, this incredible personality is also an advocate for unity throughout the communities and the world. He believes that spreading love and positivity is crucial, especially during these trying times. David hopes that through his platform, he can show people the importance of peace and acceptance. 

When asked to share a message, he said, “Take a moment to listen to others, whether it be a friend, family member, partner, or a complete stranger. We have strayed so very far away from being united as one common human race. We are all brothers and sisters. We need to all come together and support one another, not spread negativity and hate.” Learn more about David Murrietta Jr. and get updates about his future projects by visiting his Instagram page and YouTube channel Dalex Vlogs.

Dr. Markey Pierre on Empowering Women and Maneuvering Them in the Direction of Success

It has long been established that powerhouses are marked not only by the extent of their influence but also by the way they wield that influence to make a difference. While no rulebook guides highly accomplished personalities and dictates them toward capitalizing on their achievements to change the world for the better, those who bank on their impressive portfolios are often the ones able to create a legacy. Dr. Markey W. Pierre, a widely acknowledged change-maker and success enabler known for celebrating and elevating African American women, uses her platforms to send across powerful messages of hope.

Capitalizing on her expertise and extensive experience, Dr. Markey Pierre works with corporate and private clients to bridge the gap between common divides. Armed with a plethora of tools and an insight-rich blog called From Markey’s Heart, she goes beyond motivating women and helping them increase their courage, confidence, and competencies. Above anything else, she empowers and equips those under her wing with real-time success strategies designed to assist them to become more prepared as they pursue positions of power and influence in non-traditional settings. “I don’t sugarcoat what is to be expected when they secure the position they’re setting their eyes on. I want my fellow ladies to know that they can handle the pressure of performance so long as they are aware of what is to be expected, things to avoid, and how to gain respect from those who have chosen not to beforehand,” added the passion-fueled go-getter. 

Apart from serving as the incumbent Vice-Chancellor of External Affairs and Chief of Staff for the Louisiana State University Health Services Center, this remarkable thought leader is also a speaker, entrepreneur, executive, lobbyist, adjunct professor, and author whose contributions to various fields have earned her a long string of accolades. 

The first African-American woman chair of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Markey Pierre received the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Businesswoman of the Year award from the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce. She was also named one of the Top Businesswomen in Shreveport Bossier by SB Magazine and had the honors of being the first African American woman to spearhead the Independence Bowl of Shreveport.

Given the number of recognition that this purpose-driven figure has managed to snag under her belt over the years, it could be easy to jump to the conclusion that she had it easy, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth as the road to success has been peppered with a wide variety of challenges that opened her eyes to the disparity of wealth, opportunities, and platforms made available to both women and people of color. “Somehow, I created a strategy that led me to overcome the hurdles so blatantly placed in my way,” she shared.

Dr. Markey Pierre has 20 years of professional background attached to her name, but she shows no sign of slowing down. Although significant strides have been made in transforming today’s industries into more inclusive and representative spaces, she plans to accelerate the advancements that have been made so far through concerted efforts. Additionally, on top of demonstrating that challenges of race and gender bias can be beaten, she aims to nurture more women across the globe and maneuver them in the right direction.Learn more about Dr. Markey Pierre by visiting her website.

Rising Actress and Social Media Star Alexandra Creteau Lands Lead Role in Upcoming Film The Memory Scanner

The upcoming movie The Memory Scanner is set to ignite conversations and overhaul the American criminal justice system, and Alexandra Creteau is taking the spotlight playing the lead role of a Russian neuroscientist.

The story of The Memory Scanner revolves around the quest to “uncover wrongful death verdicts, attorneys that misuse the loophole of attorney-client privileges to hide the criminals, criminals that are free on the streets due to wrong verdicts, innocents that are behind the bar that never committed the crime, the jury, DNA and facial recognition system that has been broken, and massive court costs that the governments spend.”

The film aims to explore the possibility of placing microchips (electrodes) that will serve as memory scanners in the brains of criminals and terrorists, allowing the justice system to operate without a flaw as they obtain complete disclosure on their memory timelines. The supposed smart chips will also alert government authorities through signals before a criminal commits a crime, such as a massive shooting or destroying properties. By doing so, the justice system is freed from lengthy and costly trials in cases such as murder, rape, terrorism, espionage, and other high-profile cases.

Furthermore, the film also uncovers how smart chips can free the innocents who have been put behind bars for no reason. The Memory Scanner is intended to abolish the jury system and federal court by implementing a newer, more efficient system that allows the criminal justice system to get hold of the truth within minutes.

The Memory Scanner is currently in the final stages of its post-production, and lead actress Alexandra Creteau shared that she and the rest of the cast are ecstatic to show the sci-fi movie to the rest of the world.

Alexandra Creteau was born and raised in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, where she spent most of her childhood and eventually studied civil and criminal law. Alexandra was formerly part of the Team Ukraine National Karate Champion, where she obtained 13 medals and 21 diplomas. At 18, she moved to Russia and eventually to the United States at 21 to pursue her passion for acting and modeling.

Alexandra Creteau scored the lead role in The Memory Scanner right after she was booked for  the television show called The African Twist. On top of her budding acting journey, Alexandra is also continually growing her social media presence. The actress has over 320,000 followers on Instagram alone, and her Youtube channel, shared with her husband David Murrietta Jr., has over 9,000 subscribers and is growing every day. Dubbed as the power couple and known in the digital space for their channel’s name, Dalex Vlogs, David and Alexandra recently tied the knot in Regan Beach in Lake Tahoe. 

With her background as a karate champion, being a social media influencer, and the ability to speak Russian, Ukrainian, and English, Alexandra Creteau is indeed the total package. The actress and social media star continues to inspire her global community of fans and followers by showcasing the lifestyle of a dreamer who built a career from the ground up. Indeed, she is an artist to watch. Learn more about Alexandra Creteau on this site.

Emerging Artist Vikash Jha Dazzles the Art Scene with Diverse Art Perspective

Confluence 1 (2021), Acrylic, upcycled fabric, spray paint, marble powder and other mixed media on canvas

Finding an incredibly talented and well-rounded painter can be few and far between. However, in a sea of artists aspiring to make a name, one gifted individual has managed to turn heads with his remarkable works—Vikash Jha.

He is an Indian-American contemporary artist and abstract expressionist best known for his use of vibrant colors, cross-cultural imagery, and multilayered painting techniques. This creator stands out as a highly skilled painter and a true man of the world, having lived in two continents and having both western and eastern cultural influences.

Having a well-rounded background has helped him understand and appreciate the bold expressionist techniques of many western greats as well as transcendental visual expressions of Indian contemporary greats. Incorporating these learnings with his own personality has given him an edge—a unique approach to content, individualistic style, and painting techniques. 

Another trait that makes this emerging artist exceptional is his passion for honing his craft and skills. He is always looking for ways to elevate his work and loves to learn about and experiment with new materials, mediums, and techniques. 

When asked to describe his creations, the artist, shared, “My works are often very textural, using a wide range of materials such as marble powder, sandglass beads, metal powders, scrap and discarded materials, cement, upcycled fabrics, and recycled materials that I could lay my hands on. I use palette knives, all kinds of paint brushes, scrubbers, and other materials to express my mind on my canvases.”

Due to his innate talent and consistent drive for excellence, Vikash Jha has seen a steady rise in his art career. Since 2017, his works have also been displayed in juried exhibitions at the Sotheby’s Fine Art auction house and the Oculus at the World Trade Center (both through MvVO Art) and several other galleries and prestigious venues in New York City.

Vikash Jha first moved to the United States about two decades ago to advance his career in the field of management consulting and financial services. He took specialized academic studies at Harvard and MIT, following his formal art and business education in India.  

Having expertise in both business and art is a testament to his well-rounded and versatile nature, which shows in his powerfully evocative masterpieces. Some might even liken him to one of today’s most celebrated artists, Jeff Koons who has a similar career background.

Despite some comparison, Vikash Jha is most definitely a one-of-a-kind creator who has a distinct creative style and now is starting to get his well-deserved recognition as the one to look out for in the art scene. 

Most recently, he bagged a prized critique through a lucky draw hosted by Penguin Random House. His work has impressed New York Magazine’s Senior Art Critic and author of How to Be an Artist, Jerry Saltz. The renowned Pulitzer-prize winning critic said of Vikash’s work, “You know a fair amount about art. Great sense of color…. internal light. Gets viewers engaged from far and….then draws them in… by working back the details. This is important… I think that if this is the least representative of your works, you are in great shape.”

The accolades that he has received sets the tone to a bright future that is in store for Vikash Jha. In the upcoming, he aims to become a celebrated global artist and provocateur. He also plans to create an art brand that consumer brands would love to be associated with. One day, his name will become one that gallerists would feel proud of, and collectors would feel fortunate to have his works in their private collections. 

To achieve all of  his goals, the highly skilled painter continues to create captivating works of art. As his success scales, he wishes to one day create a team of like-minded individuals who can support his creative journey as he expands to more business ventures and collaborations. 

Art collectors, enthusiasts and other interested parties should visit his upcoming solo show called Voyages of Reflections on Artsy’s online art auction marketplace in the MvVO Art Gallery between August 2 to 8, 2021. His Artsy page can be found on this link. Learn more about Vikash Jha and his works by checking out his official website and Instagram page.

ArtTour International Celebrating Artistic Prowess Through the ATIM Collector’s Choice Award

Art is life; it brings color and vibrancy to a world that can be muddied by busyness. In the past, artists have been their own advocates in sharing their work with the world. As the art community has grown, more and more artists are banding together to recognize and acknowledge those who spend their lives creating beautiful creations that instill deeper meanings within us all. ArtTour International Magazine (ATIM) built a global platform to give artists a voice, recognition, and the tools they need to succeed in one of the most demanding industries in the world. They created ATIM Collector’s Choice Award to celebrate the brilliance of earth’s most exceptional artists, making the space to recognize the talent, dedication, and spirit that goes into the work and award those artists on a stage that reaches tens of millions of viewers worldwide.

A team of high-profile academy judges carefully considers artists receiving the ATIM Collector’s Choice award to determine who takes the ultimate prize home. ATIM has made it their mission to acknowledge and award excellence in the art industry for several years, and they have never shown any signs of stopping. Founder of ArtTour International, Viviana Puello, hosted the award ceremony honoring forty-nine of the best artists operating in the art world today for their contribution to the community and their impact on their respective circles. Many high-profile personalities in the creative scene were in attendance, including Zenaida Mendez, the Director of Manhattan Neighborhood Networks (MNN) El Barrio Firehouse. 

ATIM has remained active throughout the pandemic and has kept its commitment to excellence for its brand and artists. ArtTour International Magazine is a global multimedia platform that has millions of subscribers from over 180 countries. The last edition of the ATIM Collector’s Choice Award was virtually streamed from the MNN Studios in New York City to audiences via a live broadcast on Facebook, YouTube, and several other platforms. 

ATIM is more than a media company or an award organizer because it is the only art magazine supporting art activists addressing social and environmental issues outside of art and awards. “We focus on giving voice to the artists and empowering them. We view art marketing from a different perspective. We know that the best way for artists to market and sell their works is to connect with their audience to find those who receive their message. Every artist is sharing a message, consciously or unconsciously.”

To discover the artists awarded with the ATIM’S Collector’s Choice Awards and ArtTour International, visit the company’s website. 

Michael Candelario Champions Goal-Setting in Education and Entrepreneurship to Attain Success

Michael Candelario channels his lifelong passion for education and entrepreneurship into the creation of various businesses that provide innovative solutions to the everyday problems of modern life.

Even at an early age, Michael Candelario already recognized the value of education and exhibited the instincts of an entrepreneur. Facing and overcoming challenges thrilled him, which caused him to take up problem-solving as a hobby. He wholeheartedly welcomed every opportunity to expand his vast array of skills and talents. For instance, he worked hard to become fluent in English and conversational in Spanish while growing up in Phoenix, Arizona. 

His completion of a degree in Real Estate Urban Land and Economics from the University of Wisconsin – School of Business is the perfect example of how he combines academic and business pursuits. He later founded MAC, a property solutions company, and a few other successful businesses. Although the companies are in different industries, they all reveal Michael Candelario’s focus on solving problems in business operations and creating systemic processes.

MAC is a real estate business that provides property solutions to homeowners. The company buys distressed properties to “fix and flip.” Beyond the purchase and renovation of properties, MAC also takes care of the entire operation—from lead generation to the acquisition of properties and the development of exit strategies. In launching MAC, Michal Candelario had in mind homeowners who need assistance in managing real estate operations, acquiring properties, making investments, and more.

The company maintains its competitive edge by providing trustworthy and efficient property solutions to real estate needs. With over thirteen years of experience in the field, MAC has established itself as an industry leader and authority figure.

In addition to MAC, Michael Candelario also founded Nother Mother. The company manufactures unique, organic gummy bear products that have high nutritional value. Rich in multivitamins, Nother Mother products provide children with an enjoyable way to intake their daily nutrient needs. Products from the brand’s adult range include immunity boosters, sleep supporters, organic multivitamins, and many more.

Throughout the recipe development process, Nother Mother handpicked a panel of experts to ensure the production of high-quality products. By carefully considering each product’s flavor, nutritional value, and overall health benefits, the brand has achieved its goal of consistently delivering products that families can enjoy.

Michael Candelario may have diversified his business ventures, but his companies share one goal: to build teams, businesses, and systemic processes that provide innovative solutions to both clients and business partners. It was in 2008 when Michael first recognized the fire within himself that challenged him to grow, strive for greater growth, and achieve his desires. Since then, Michael shared, “I have bloomed into an entrepreneur with a large array of skills and a great team behind me.”

As he commits to keeping the same fire alive, Michael Candelario hopes to use his platform and journey to encourage others to set educational, personal, or business goals. Maintaining the drive to achieve one’s goals may be difficult, but there is no greater feeling than attaining one’s greatness.

For more information on Michael Candelario, you may visit his LinkedIn profile page.

Nick Velasquez Shows You the Secrets to Learn and Master Any Skill Fast in His Bestselling Book Learn, Improve, Master

You either have it or you don’t. Old dogs can’t learn new tricks. It takes 10.000 hours to master a skill.

When it comes to learning, these ideas have been repeated so often they are now accepted as truth. But they are myths and misconceptions, and believing them can hurt our progress, give us a poor perception of our capabilities, and even keep us from learning something in the first place. 

In his book Learn, Improve, Master, Nick Velasquez is on a mission to replace fictions with realities and transform vague ambitions into a clear path forward so you can learn anything fast.

Whether you are learning public speaking, practicing martial arts, picking up a new sport or musical instrument, there are proven strategies to learn and master these abilities in record time. In Learn, Improve, Master, Nick Velasquez breaks down the learning process into an exact science, providing readers with a proven formula for becoming effective learners.

Published in 2020—at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—the book has skyrocketed into worldwide renown and reached multitudes, garnering high praise and selling tens of thousands of copies.

Nick has spent years researching the sciences of learning, cognitive psychology, peak performance, and mastery. Learn, Improve, Master is the culmination of all his years of research and personal experience learning from multiple fields such as music, writing, photography, entrepreneurship, languages, magic, martial arts, bodybuilding, investing, and many more. The book combines cutting-edge learning science and strategies used by world-class performers so you, too, can learn, improve, and master anything you want. 

The book came at the right time, as people searched for self-development resources to enhance themselves amid COVID-19 lockdowns. Nick provided people with a productive alternative that has given them a renewed sense of hope that better days await us all at the end of the pandemic if we focus on improving ourselves despite overwhelming trials.

And now, with the Olympic Games on their way, Learn, Improve, Master is more relevant than ever. If you want to know what it takes for athletes to become Olympians (from training habits to developing an unshakable mindset) and, more importantly, learn how to develop greatness yourself, you need to read this book.

Nick’s techniques for eliminating learning myths, developing step-by-step strategies for optimizing practice, refining memorization abilities, and developing healthy habits, is propelling his readers toward mastery faster than they ever thought possible.

In addition to Learn, Improve, Master, Nick is the Founder of UnlimitedMastery.com, a site dedicated to teaching people timeless principles on learning, creativity, and skills development through its science-backed and practical lessons. 

Learn more about Nick and his book, Learn, Improve, Master by visiting his website. You can also follow him on Instagram or Twitter @velznick